The presentation of Softline Venture Partners new portfolio project Smart Start took place in June 20, 2012 at the central office of Softline. Smart Start is an application for social networks to build a successful career that makes it possible to find an employer of your dream in three clicks. The fund's investments will be directed primarily to the promotion of the project in the competitive market, as well as developing and implementing new features of services.

Smart Start application is designed for young audience entering the labor market for the first time which may experience a serious shortage of qualified personnel, especially in IT. The application solves the problem of people’s time optimization when searching for interesting jobs, as well as the problem of specialists recruitment who do not use the traditional tools of Internet recruitment but are the users of social networks.

Elena Alekseeva, the head of Softline Venture Partners, says that our seed investment in Smart Start is the first deal announced in 2012. When selecting projects, we focus on the company’s potential growth in a particular niche as well as on competition and startup’s team. Smart Start is working in a very interesting segment for us - recruitment services for young professionals choosing their future career. By investing in the segment selected by Smart Start’s team, we help young professionals in work searching, and companies - in professional personnel training.

Additional investment in the project is necessary, especially for its promotion in the competitive market, as well as for developing and implementing new features for users and customers. The application is already working on VKontakte social network. In June 20, along with the announcement of the transaction closing a presentation of a new version of Smart Start was conducted and we expect its release in other social networks soon. The long-term plans of the project include new markets development and service enhancement.

Svinin Alexander, the CEO of Smart Start, says that Smart Start Team is pleased to partner with Softline Venture Partners professionals! Collaboration with fund’s team is a great support for the project in terms of new competencies and knowledge. We are confident that our joint work on the project will help us to achieve our dream - to create a convenient and efficient service for users to build their careers!